Edinburgh, Edinburgh (Hybrid)
Unpaid role, expenses paid
Voluntary
Job description

Enjoy a good book?

 

Passionate about the role which literature plays in our lives? 

 

Interested in using your skills to support Scottish literature in Edinburgh and internationally?

 

Excited by the prospect of working with the Board and Executive to shape our strategic direction?

 

Edinburgh UNESCO City of Literature Trust is looking for two or three individuals to join the Board of Trustees of the world’s first City of Literature as we look to our future after our 20th anniversary.  

 

You will be joining an organisation at the heart of Edinburgh’s literary community and an international network of UNESCO Cities of Literature. Literary cities are granted the designation if they can boast a proud creative tradition and demonstrate a commitment to placing stories, literature and reading at the heart of civic life.

 

If you have experience, knowledge, or interest in the following, please get in touch:

 

·         Financial management (including willingness to take on a leadership role as Chair of our Finance, Audit and Risk Committee)

·         Accountancy skills

·         Publishing

·         Bookselling

·         Tourism

 

Any additional experience in the following areas would also be welcomed:

 

  • HR
  • Marketing
  • Technology
  • Governance

 

We welcome applications from across all ages, communities and backgrounds. We encourage applications from under-represented groups.

 

The new appointments will be for an initial period of up to three years. The posts are not remunerated but some expenses are covered as per our Board Members’ Expenses Policy.

 

 

Time Commitment:

 

The Board of Trustees meets five times each year.

 

Meetings are generally 6 -8pm on Mondays in Edinburgh and in a hybrid format

 

The Finance, Audit and Risk Committee meets quarterly ahead of Board meetings.

 

There is an annual half-day board planning session.

 

Outwith Board meetings, there are individual meetings as required and the opportunity to attend events of interest in the sector.

 

The overall time commitment for the role is estimated at 8 -10 hours per month.

 

Application Information

Our Trustee Information Pack contains information about the role, requirements and the application process.

To apply please submit your CV and a covering letter (no more than two sides of A4) outlining why this position is of interest and what you believe you can offer.

If you have any questions or you would like an informal chat, please do get in touch with our Director, Dr Harriet MacMillan.

 

 

 

 

Application resources
Posted by
Edinburgh UNESCO City of Literature View profile Organisation type Registered Charity Company size 1 - 5
Posted on: 17 September 2025
Closing date: 05 October 2025 at 00:00
Tags: Accounting, Literacy